Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Members for agreeing that I act as temporary Cathaoirleach today. Apologies have been received from the Cathaoirleach, Deputy Smyth. Today's meeting of the select committee has been convened to consider the Supplementary Estimates for Vote 33 - Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Matters relating to programme area C of the Vote, Gaeltacht, have been considered by the Oireachtas select committee on the Irish language, Gaeltacht and Irish-speaking community.

I welcome the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, and their officials to the meeting today. As the Minister and Minister of State are present, it is not expected that officials will speak in this session. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I propose that we proceed with the opening statements and invite the Minister to make hers.